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Your Artery Problem
You may have been told that you have an aneurysm. This is when a weakened part of a blood vessel expands like a balloon. An aneurysm in the main blood vessel in your stomach area is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). It can be very serious. But with your doctor's help, it can be treated.
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Detecting an Aneurysm
AAA usually causes no symptoms. It is often found when tests are done for an unrelated problem. Or your doctor may find it while feeling your stomach during a routine exam.
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Who Develops AAA?
Certain things increase your chances of having AAA.
These include the following:
- AAA runs in your family
- Your age AAA is more likely as you get older
- Factors such as smoking, having high blood pressure, and a high cholesterol level (a buildup of fat and other materials in the blood)
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Understanding AAA
Blood vessels are tubes that carry blood. The blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body are called arteries. AAA affects the largest artery, the aorta. With AAA, part of the aorta weakens, expands, and may eventually burst.
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Ultrasound
An ultrasound test uses sound waves to make images of your aorta and nearby blood vessels. This test allows the size of your aneurysm to be measured. The test is painless and doesn't take long.
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CT Scan/MRI
Certain tests show more detail than an ultrasound. A CT scan (sometimes called a CAT scan) takes a series of x-rays. These x-rays are put on a computer to form a picture of the aneurysm. An MRI also takes pictures. This test uses radio waves made by a strong magnet. These waves create images of your aorta without using x-rays. During the tests, you may be given a special dye. This dye makes your blood vessels show up better.
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Arterial Doppler Study
An arterial Doppler study may be done. This test measures blood flow in your legs. It is often used to gather more information about your arteries. An arterial Doppler study can show whether a leg artery is blocked by plaque or a blood clot.
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Arteriography
Arteriography creates an arteriogram (x-ray image) that shows the flow of blood through the aorta and the arteries that branch off of it. This test is often done to help plan your surgery. Like a CT scan, this test uses a special dye that makes your blood vessels show up clearly on the x-rays.
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The Surgery
During surgery, the weakened aortic wall is replaced with a manmade tube (a graft). The graft is usually made of strong fabric. It may be sewn to the aorta during open surgery. Or the graft may be secured with special metal devices during an endovascular procedure.
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Reaching the Aneurysm
The aorta can be reached through open surgery. Or a less invasive endovascular procedure may be done. Your surgeon will work with a team of specialists. They will choose the best approach for you, based on your health.
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